Tempe Area Guide
Your local guide to life, neighborhoods, and townhomes for rent in Tempe, written by Jenna, ASU alum and proud Tempe local.
Welcome to Tempe
If you’ve ever stepped outside here in July, you already know Tempe doesn’t mess around with sunlight. We’re talking 300 days of it. The city buzzes with students, long-time locals who remember when Mill Avenue wasn’t so fancy, and an energy that feels part fiesta and part finals week.
ASU sets the tone here and you can feel it everywhere. But Tempe isn’t just about classes and college parties. It’s also a creative, close-knit community with enough local events to pull even the most introverted neighbor out of their apartment once in a while.
Whether you’re a student finally escaping the dorms or a young professional who wants to live somewhere with real personality, Tempe strikes a rare balance between lively and livable.
Living Near ASU Main
If you’re planning to live near campus, get ready for a mix of energy and excitement. University Drive, College Avenue, and Mill Avenue are the heartbeat of Tempe. You’ll find art galleries, live music, restaurants that stay open later than they probably should, and more scooters per capita than anywhere else in Arizona.
Living close to the action is great, but quiet nights are nice too. Townhomes and apartments just beyond the main campus area give you both. You can bike to class in ten minutes and still get a good night’s sleep. I lived like that once, close enough to feel connected yet far enough to stay sane.
If you’re looking for townhomes for rent in Tempe that offer convenience and comfort, this area hits the sweet spot.
North Tempe
North Tempe is perfect for anyone who likes to stay active. It’s home to Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park with its red rock views, and the Rio Salado Pathway, which is great for walking, running, or biking.
Downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor Airport are just a short drive away, so catching a flight or heading to a Suns game is easy. The people here are a mix of students, professionals, and long-time residents who remember when this area was still mostly open desert.
You’ll find modern apartments near the lake and older neighborhoods with tall trees and quiet streets. North Tempe combines new energy with an old-school, friendly charm.
Explore North Tempe Rentals
South Tempe
If you want a slower pace and the sound of crickets instead of karaoke, South Tempe might be your place. It’s known for wide streets, lots of greenery, and neighbors who still wave hello.
Kiwanis Park is the neighborhood favorite, with 125 acres of walking trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a lake for kayaking. It’s a go-to spot for morning walks, weekend picnics, and spending time outdoors with kids or pets.
This part of town also has some of Tempe’s best local restaurants. The Porch, The Coffee Shop, and Ghost Ranch are all local favorites with great food and welcoming service. It’s an easygoing area with a strong sense of community.
Explore South Tempe Rentals
Outdoor Life and Recreation
With 300 days of sunshine a year, being outside is simply part of life in Tempe. Hike “A” Mountain for a quick city view, rent a kayak at Tempe Town Lake, or explore Papago Park for an easy, scenic adventure.
Tempe is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Arizona. The network of bike lanes and trails makes it simple to get around. You can ride from South Tempe to ASU or from downtown to Papago Park without breaking a sweat. You’ll see students, commuters, and casual riders all sharing the paths.
Food, Coffee, and Entertainment
Mill Avenue is Tempe’s center for food, drinks, and people-watching. Try Culinary Dropout for a night out, Four Peaks Brewing for local craft beer, or Daily Jam for a brunch that never disappoints.
Coffee lovers have plenty of choices too. Cartel Roasting Co., Infusion Coffee & Tea, and King Coffee are local staples where you’ll find students, freelancers, and friends catching up over cold brew.
When the sun goes down, Tempe keeps going. ASU Gammage hosts Broadway shows and concerts, Tempe Improv brings the laughs, and downtown always has live music drifting from patios and rooftops.
Community, Convenience, and Commuting
Even with its energy, Tempe is easy to get around. The Valley Metro Light Rail runs through the city and connects to Phoenix, Mesa, and beyond. For quick local trips, the Orbit neighborhood shuttles are free and reliable.
Tempe also knows how to bring people together. Events like the Tempe Festival of the Arts, Ironman Arizona, and the Fantasy of Lights Parade keep the calendar full year-round. Even if you weren’t planning to go, chances are you’ll find yourself there eventually.
Why Rent in Tempe
Renting in Tempe makes sense for just about anyone. You’ll find new apartments, stylish townhomes for rent, and older homes with real character. Most are close to ASU’s main campus, Tempe Marketplace, and plenty of local spots to eat, shop, or hang out.
It’s convenient, flexible, and welcoming. Students enjoy walkability, professionals appreciate short commutes, and everyone enjoys the sunshine and the easy lifestyle Tempe is known for.
A Note from Jenna
I’m Jenna, an ASU alum who fell in love with Tempe and decided to stay. I started my townhome rental because I wanted to share what I love about this city. It’s comfortable, connected, and full of life.
If you’re looking for a home near ASU that’s peaceful, modern, and close to everything, I’d love to help you find it.
Tempe isn’t just a place to live. It’s where you meet your people, find your favorite coffee shop, and realize that even 110 degrees can feel like home once you’ve adjusted.
Tempe, AZ — New Resident Starter Guide (2025)
Quick steps for utilities, transit, housing, daily life, and safety. Numbers and fares verified as of Oct 9, 2025.
1) Set up utilities & city services
- Water / sewer / trash (City of Tempe): Customer Services 480-350-8361 to start/stop/transfer. Business hours apply; allow ~24 hours notice.
- Tempe 311 (non-emergency city help): 480-350-4311. Staffed Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Electricity: Most of Tempe is SRP. 24/7 support 602-236-8888. Some pockets are APS; check service map.
- Natural gas: Southwest Gas. Start/stop/move online or call 877-860-6020 Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Internet: Cox widely available; retail store at 1320 W Elliot Rd for signup/equipment. Google Fiber construction is underway in Tempe with service expected after build-out.
2) Getting around without a car
- Light rail & bus (Valley Metro): 1-Ride local bus/rail is $2. Daily/weekly/monthly fare capping with Copper card or app.
- Tempe Streetcar: $1 per ride ($0.50 reduced). Counts toward capping ($4 day / $20 week / $64 month).
- Orbit neighborhood shuttles: Free circulators (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn). Seven days a week with frequent service.
- Airport → Tempe: Take PHX Sky Train® (free, 24/7) to 44th St/Washington, then Valley Metro Rail.
- Biking: BIKEiT routes and the 2024 Tempe Bike Map show lanes, paths, and crossings.
3) Housing quick hits
- No city tax on residential rent (30+ day leases) in AZ since Jan 1, 2025. Short-term stays under 30 days remain taxable.
- Browse near-campus rentals: ASU’s Off-Campus Housing Marketplace.
4) Everyday life & must-know places
- Tempe Town Lake: Open 5 a.m.–midnight. No swimming. Kayaks/SUP allowed; permits apply for personal watercraft.
- Kiwanis Park: 125 acres with trails, lake, and recreation amenities.
- Library: Tempe Public Library cards for Maricopa County residents and for those who work or attend school in Tempe; fee option for non-county AZ residents.
5) Health & safety
- Hospital: HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center, 1500 S Mill Ave. ED 24/7. 480-784-5500.
- City non-emergency: For police/fire non-emergency info use Tempe 311 or call 480-350-4311.
- Heat safety: Cooling centers/hydration stations via 211, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. CARE & HOPE Line: 480-350-8004.
- Pets: Maricopa County requires dog licensing and rabies vaccination for dogs 3+ months. Licensing via DocuPet online.
6) Campus & community
- Fitness & recreation: Sun Devil Fitness Complex access for enrolled students; memberships/guest passes available.
- Performing arts: ASU Gammage and Tempe Center for the Arts post current shows and events.
- Downtown/Mill Ave events: Downtown Tempe lists festivals, including Tempe Festival of the Arts.
7) Parking & permits
- Neighborhood permits: Some areas require residential permits; check your block’s rules.
- Downtown garages: Monthly parking options via Downtown Tempe’s portal.